Former Nigeria international, Garba Lawal has called for calm from Nigerian fans as the search for a new Super Eagles coach continues.
Lawal acknowledged that fans are unhappy with the team’s recent performances but stressed the importance of patience with the Nigerian Football Federation’s decision on a new coach.
“It’s a difficult time. People are afraid. I believe countries are developing in football. There’s no small team, there’s no small country. You can even sense it in Euro 2024. So that’s why you say people are afraid,” Lawal said.
He added, “The country now, they never say die until the end of the game. So it’s really disturbing and I don’t see that hunger of winning. That is the problem at the moment.”
Lawal also questioned the attitude and commitment of the current players, stating that even a top coach needs dedicated players to achieve positive results.
Lawal continued, “We want to see more hunger in them. Always in the game, in football, there’s always a changing moment. Then you can do extra for you to deliver and win. We don’t see that at the moment. So it’s very disturbing.
“Whether you have a foreign coach or an indigenous coach, sometimes it’s not about coaching now, it’s about players.”
He concluded on the players’ mindset and attitude: “They will deliver. No matter your philosophy or methodology, if they are not ready to deliver, there’s nothing a coach can do. I believe they have to change their mindset and their character and their attitude is very important.”
